Author: nationalpoint

CDD PRESS STATEMENTDecember 10, 2019FCT, AbujaFor immediate release Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has carefully followed the debate on the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019 (SB 132), popularly known as the Social Media Bill. This provocative legislation, which has passed a second reading in the Senate, is an attempt to use the legislative process to muzzle freedom of expression. The bill purports to tackle the increasing problem of false information in Nigeria. However, a number of draconian provisions in the bill empower the Nigerian government to unilaterally shutdown social media and possibly the internet for posts they…

In the fast paced reality of the post, post modern world of the 21st century, human attachments are usually fluid and commitments to the larger cause including community, very elastic. Yet, some persons spend valuable time working to build goodwill support their kindred in diverse ways in the far away places they now call home. Pa Aliyi Ekineh, a lawyerand active member of the Ijaw Community in the UK, is a sparking embodiment of love for his Ijaw people, supportive of the individual and groups, deeply aware of his cultural roots as well as an irrepressible advocate for Ijaw and…

By Fynye Richard Ekwe EkinehFlorence CheakleyMummy, you would have been ninety five this year. Ninety five years, what a blessing of life, and we band of friends and family are here today to mourn you, but we are also here because we want to celebrate your long and wonderful life.Almost a century ago and before she became my mother, Florence Cheakley was born in Manchester.Her father was from Lancashire and her mother was from Yorkshire. What a combination, she was the youngest of three extraordinarily adventurous girls, Aunty Hedy and Aunty Gladys, known collectively in our family as “the Cheakleys”.…

MAP Scheme is fraudulent and the actors (NERC, FG, DisCos, MAPs) are well aware of the “desperate situations” the Nigerian electricity supply consumers found themselves. These desperate situations were created by these gangs.Every electricity supply consumer needs meter, to pay for what’s consumed, and it’s a global practice. But in Nig, it’s a different practice. FG/NERC allowed and supported the DisCos to run on estimated billing even after signing a contractual agreement on metering plan for all. May be NERC needs to inform Nigerians of any clause in the agreement where it was stated that consumers are to pay for…

“Biography is highly recommended for the reason that the study of the lives, times, experience, trials, triumphs, failure and successes of great men and women should provide us inspiration that we ourselves can achieve greatness”Prof. Scott Pegg eulogises PatrickIn my earlier tribute published in the last edition and online as well as in local and international media, I described Patrick Naagbanton as a positive tornado. May I express my appreciation to National Point Newspaper a paper that you were once the editor-at large for publishing that article in soft and hard copies. But apart from being a positive tornado personality,…

Patrick NaagbantonBIRTH:Late Comrade Patrick Barigbalo Naagbanton was born on 25th August, 1970 into the family of Late Mr and Mrs. Naagbanton Naleeba of GaGberedodoo dynasty. His mother, Mrs. Theresa Lekie Naagbanton (Nee Baraol) is from Ga Ben dynasty, both parents are from Bodo City in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.The father, Late Naagbanton Naaleeba married Patrick’s mother as his second wife. Patrick lost his father at a tender age; he was about two years old. Patrick, together with three other children left behind by the mother’s first daughter, Mrs. Nennaa Naakuu who died later, were in the care…

Chapter 1What Does God Expect From A Deacon?“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the…

By Constance MejuMembers of the association at an eventThe South South Chiefs, Elders and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria, a pressure group focused on engendering a poverty-free Niger Delta, will on December 19, 2019, roll out the carpets to beat drums in honour of charitable organizations and individuals who are immensely making effort to empower citizens to overcome poverty in the region.A release by the chairman of the high-power body, High Chief (Dr.) Omubo A. Harry, made available to National Point Newspaper stated that awardees include O.B. Lulu Briggs Foundation, Omega Power Ministry Ministries, Belema Oil Producing Ltd, and Mind…

I called on Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) not to award new clean-up contracts in Ogoni without addressing issues around emergency measures as recommended by UNEP Report 2011 which it skipped to mobilize contractors to site.The emergency measures include construction of contaminated soil management centre, building of a centre of excellence, provision of portable drinking water for the people, audit of the health of the people, addressing livelihood issues especially those related to youths involved in acts of oil theft and artisanal refining, etc. HYPREP had earlier advertised for these measures, received biddings but swept them under the carpet and…

By Lorine EmenikeSome civil society members have called for synergy between oil impacted communities and HYPREP to engender a good and speedy work process of the Ogoni clean-up.Project officer, Energy and Climate Change at Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor in company of representatives of some civil society organizations, HYPREP officials and newsmen, who were on a site visit to some oil impacted communities in Ogoni land currently undergoing remediation processes, said the basis for the site visit is to properly ascertain the level of clean-up/ remediation process work being done by HYPREP.Ebiaridor said the visit has shown that work…